Breakout players and the USMNT

[appoo]

With another MLS season in the offing, this should be among the most exciting times for a USA fan, as MLS is loaded with young Americans, ready to bust their way into the National scene. Players I'll be watching closely this year for a true breakout season.

Jozy Altidore - let's just remember he wasn't even his club's full time starting striker. What will a full season playing along side Angel do for him?

Stuart Holden - In my opinion, he's the most exciting young American in MLS. IMO - he'll get a chance to make impact on the USMNT sometime this year.

Arturo Alvarez - Extremely skilled, good athlete, and seems to be on the verge of putting it all together. Could be primed for a starring role on the Olympic team as well.

Chris Seitz - Is he gonna be the starter in RSL? Ton of talent, and might just end up beating out El Guzano as the #2. The real curiosity if he can be good enough to start the Olympics.

Steve Cronin - He's been handed goal keeper duties for the Starship, S.S.S Galaxy. Let's see how he does with it, and if he can make a move up the depth chart.

Michael Harrington - Anyone who saw USA vs. Mexico knows we have a bit of an issue at fullback. Harrington showed a lot of promise to become a modern day fullback with the ability to attack and defend. Then again I thought Tim Ward would do that as well.

Nathan Sturgis - Sturgis will be called upon to settle the RSL backline, and he can't legally drink till mid summer. We don't have an alpha dog central defender so the next few years will be interesting, but if Sturgis wants to compete for 2010 he probably needs to break out this year

Robbie Rogers - has a very good youth resume, and showed some flashes in his first year in Columbus, but now in his 2nd year he should be a lot better. Note that he is right footed, and the depth chart for true Right winger is as follows: <tumbleweeds>

Others to watch for continual maturation:

Mo Edu
Marvelle Wynne
Eddie Gaven (turned 21 just 4 months ago)

[Maximum Optimal]

Good list. Dax McCarty is another young player I'm looking forward to seeing more of. And I'm also curious to see how Quavas Kirk does in DC.

[Martino2Buddle]

I'm a huge fan of Holden also. Watching him last year and again Wednesday night against Sydney FC he is just good with the ball at his feet; in addition he knows how to finish. Most of his goals are just superb finishes. I think he will show with the U23's just how talented he is and force his way onto the full MNT as a RM.

I'm also hoping Harrington can show he can defend consistently as his offense is not in question. Looking forward to seeing him with the Olympic team also.

I too am excited to see how Quavas does with DC; still can't believe Lalas let him go for Greg Vanney of all people.

[Betinho]

I too am very interested in watching Holden. He's fearless and he finishes strong - two qualities we need more of on the MNT. Definitely one of the more exciting young players.

[IndividualEleven]

Disagree on Alvarez. He's produced little at league.

Altidore is already a breakout player for USNT.

Nate Sturgis plays in midfield for RSL.

[appoo]

Disagree on Alvarez. He's produced little at league.

Altidore is already a breakout player for USNT.

Nate Sturgis plays in midfield for RSL.


Alvarez is just 22, so that's ok. He's improved immensely last year. Disagree about Altidore. He has 3 CAPS, and 1 Goal.

Eddie Johnson had 6 goals by the time he hit 3 CAPS. I'm interested to see if he can dominate MLS defenses.

Didn't realize Sturgis was moved to DM.

[Scorpion26]

We should also watch out which American rookies will make a big impact.
I want to see what Brunner has when he plays for NYRB, and also the other defenders that have come in. Balc he is another player I would like to see will happen to him knowing he was not pick up until the Supplemental Draft.


Also Quavas Kirk going to DC is a good move for him, mostly he left Galaxy.
Johan Smith in England when will he get his chance a move is in need for him.
Overall I think every young players right now are to be watched for the next two years, because we do not know when one of them will become that player.

[PVancouver]

Rogers is left-footed, Holden is right-footed. I agree with Scorpion, some of the rookies will make an impact. Myers and Franklin will surely play right away if not injured, and there are numerous center backs.

[IndividualEleven]

Sturgis played midfield for the LA and now for RSL. He only plays in central defense at youth level.

My list would be:

Chance Meyers: could be this years Maurice Edu. Got a camp with the U-23s.

Dax McCarty: unlike Alvarez, puts up quality numbers in league play.

Stuart Holden: already a baller at league and U-23 level.

Robbie Rogers: finished last season on a strong note for the Crew. Excellent physical tools.


Colin Clark-showed class and productivity on an incompetently coach team. A sleeper.

Mike Randolph starter at left back for the Galaxy in first year and starter on U-23 team.

[rwhunter4]

Sturgis played midfield for the LA and now for RSL. He only plays in central defense at youth level.


I want to throw Sturgis's name in the LB ring (if only for lack of other names). He's versitile and his passing skills would be a substantial upgrade over most of our other defenders. Just a thought...

[sidefootsitter]

The real break-out stars will be the Euro based kids like Smith, Davies, Zizzo, Arquez and perhaps the not that young anymore White, Cameron and Goodson.

[SamsArmySam]

The real break-out stars will be the Euro based kids like Smith, Davies, Zizzo, Arquez and perhaps the not that young anymore White, Cameron and Goodson.
OK, now you're just f-ing with everybody.

Have a good weekend, SFS.

[Maximum Optimal]

The real break-out stars will be the Euro based kids like Smith, Davies, Zizzo, Arquez and perhaps the not that young anymore White, Cameron and Goodson.

What about Szetela, Jaqua and Nguyen.

[Dr.Phil]

Good lists

Im also interested to see which rookies make big impacts

[m vann]

I concur that is a very good list. My choice for break out player is Holden. I love the way he plays, with speed, with short quick touches and passes, and very direct. He can finish and is willing to throw in shots from distances. Very important player for Houston. His time with the U-23's this summer will only enhance his game further. My second choice is Rogers. Similar to Holden but can use both feet and is a little better with the ball at his feet. When finally given a chance in Columbus he came through and showed spurts of his talent.

[olephill2]

The real break-out stars will be the Euro based kids like Smith, Davies, Zizzo, Arquez and perhaps the not that young anymore White, Cameron and Goodson.
hahaha that is so typical. :)

[sidefootsitter]

hahaha that is so typical. :) Not of all them will make it, mind you.

But those who do will be tactically and technically ahead of their MLS peers.

Isn't that what Roy Hodgson said today?

[Missionary]

Rogers is left-footed, Holden is right-footed. I agree with Scorpion, some of the rookies will make an impact. Myers and Franklin will surely play right away if not injured, and there are numerous center backs.

Rogers is both footed but scores slightly more from his left.

[mike4066]

I'm keeping my eye on Ray Burse Jr. I think he will overtake Salas for the #1 sometime this year.

[DaPrince84]

Robbie Rogers is all that needs to be said...